Picture this: the gentle rustling of palm leaves and the soft whispers of ocean waves form the usual soundtrack at Phuket’s Kamala Beach. However, in a dramatic twist of events set for June this year, the soothing sounds of paradise might just be rudely interrupted by the blaring of sirens. But fear not, the island isn’t under attack by an unruly band of pirates; rather it’s gearing up for one of Thailand’s most elaborate disaster preparedness exercises yet.
From June 24 to 27, Kamala Beach will be transformed into a stage for C-MEX 25, a nationwide crisis simulation exercise orchestrated by the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket). This high-stakes rehearsal will create an arena where tourists, locals, and a myriad of emergency response teams collide in a mock display of nature’s fury—a tsunami scenario.
“This is a Level 3 national command exercise,” announced Wichit Sutthaso, the Chief of DDPM Phuket, with an air of authority and foresight. “Our focus in Phuket will be an exquisite piece of practical theatre, if you will, performed at Kamala Beach. We envision orchestrations involving everyone—from carefree beachgoers to seasoned emergency responders.”
The goal of this slightly nerve-jangling performance? To fine-tune the art of disaster response while piquing public trust. With the sun glaring high above and the beach buzzing with anticipation, participants will dive, so to speak, into various hands-on training sessions. Imagine the beach swarming with “evacuees,” while teams maneuver through simulated obstacles in search and rescue exercises. Not to mention the air filled with the muted tension of emergency medical care and the frantic buzz of rescue boats whisking “victims” off the water.
Meanwhile, for those who fancy themselves orchestrators rather than performers, the behind-the-curtain coordination at Phuket Provincial Hall promises its own brand of high drama. Here, in-depth command and coordination exercises will synchronize seamlessly with directives from the central DDPM command stationed in Bangkok.
However, it’s a stage limited to Kamala Beach alone. Other well-trodden shores, such as Mai Khao, Kata, and Ley Phang Beaches, will not make cameo appearances in this year’s drill. The absence, as explained by Wichit, stems from the lack of tsunami warning towers at Mai Khao and Ley Phang and a silenced siren at Kata, awaiting repair. So, while Kamala Beach may play the leading role in this year’s rehearsal, the readiness of other beaches remains an unfinished script.
C-MEX 25 represents more than just an adrenaline-pumping exercise; it’s a critical pillar of a larger national strategy to shore up preparedness for coastal regions like Phuket—a jewel that stands precarious amid nature’s whimsy. Informed by the chilling echoes of past tragedies, when the sirens wail on Kamala Beach this June, the world can take comfort in knowing it’s a cleverly conjured enactment, not a real-life horror.
Yet for those in the driver’s seat of these elaborate exercises, the scenarios they simulate are as real as they come. The mission? To be ready should the day ever dawn when fiction bleeds into reality, praying it’s a performance that remains forever unneeded.
This sounds like an amazing initiative. We need more drills like this to ensure our safety.
I agree, but I wonder why they didn’t include other beaches?
Good point, Lisa. They mentioned a lack of warning towers. I hope they address this soon.
Honestly, it seems like a waste of resources that could be used for actual beach improvements.
I was planning to visit Phuket in June. Should tourists be worried about this exercise disrupting their vacations?
Not really. These drills are important and shouldn’t take away from the beauty and fun of Phuket.
You might hear some sirens, but it’s business as usual on the beach.
Why aren’t they doing more to fix the silenced siren at Kata Beach? It seems irresponsible not to prioritize safety!
As someone who survived the 2004 tsunami, practices like these are vital.
Do you really think these rehearsals can prepare us for the chaos of a real tsunami?
They might not be perfect, but they’re a step towards being better prepared.
Will there be any opportunities for locals to participate or observe?
Yes, I think the public can volunteer, which is a great way to learn what to do in real life.
Thanks, Jennifer! Maybe I’ll check it out to better understand disaster response.
Honestly, I’m just glad they’re taking steps to keep everyone safe, especially in a place as prone to tsunamis as Thailand.
Y’all youngins won’t remember, but back in the day, we didn’t have such exercises. It’s good to see this progress!
C-MEX 25 sounds cool and all, but are there any environmental consequences of this exercise?
They should definitely consider the environmental impact, especially on local wildlife.
To those questioning its necessity: when lives are on the line, can we really be too prepared?
Yes, but shouldn’t we also focus on preventing disasters instead of just responding to them?
Prevention is key, Daisy, but so is being ready when things go wrong. Both are vital.
I think incorporating more tech, like AI and drones, could take these drills to the next level.